About this scholarship
TheMaastricht University (UM)NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2029 offers an incredible opportunity for outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the Netherlands. Each year, 21 full scholarships worth up to €34,000 (including tuition, living expenses, and insurance) are awarded to exceptional candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong desire to make an impact in their field.This prestigious scholarship is a joint initiative of the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, as part of the national NL Scholarship programme. It aims to attract top global talent to study at Maastricht University, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and support their professional and personal development in a world-class academic environment.Applicants must come from outside the EU/EEA, meet the admission criteria for a participating master’s programme, and hold an outstanding academic record (minimum GPA 7.5/10 or equivalent). Selected students will benefit from complete financial coverage, pre-academic training, and the chance to become ambassadors of Maastricht University’s global community.A €100 handling fee (excluding bank costs) is required for all UM bachelor’s, master’s, and pre-master’s programs if your diploma is from a non-EU/EEA curriculum. The fee covers administrative costs for assessing prior education. Applications will not be processed without payment.Handling FeeExemptionsYou are exempt if you:Previously paid the UM handling fee or studied at UM (any program/exchange).Completed education in the UK or Switzerland.Hold a VWO diploma from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, or Suriname.Completed an IB or European Baccalaureate diploma.They were pre-assessed by a partner university in a UM double-degree program.Have refugee status or a valid refugee residence permit (type III/IV) in the Netherlands.They are financially supported by UAF (Foundation for Refugee Students).Are Ukrainians with Temporary Protection Directive status.Key Details and DatesApplication Deadline:1 February 2027 (23:59 CET)Result Announcement:April–May 2027Pre-Academic Training:August 2027Funding Type:Fully FundedOrganizer/Host Institution:Maastricht University (UM)Eligible Countries:All non-EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname countriesEligible Gender:Male/FemaleTarget Group:International students with outstanding academic recordsField:All full-time master’s programmes at UMStudy Level:Master’s degreeDegree Required:Bachelor’s degree or equivalentNumber of Opportunities:21 scholarshipsDuration:13 months (1-year master) or 25 months (2-year master)Program Language:EnglishHost Country:NetherlandsBenefits and Financial AidsEach UM NL-High Potential Scholarship covers the following items:Living Expenses:€20,150Tuition Fees:Fully coveredHealth & Liability Insurance:€700 (arranged by UM)Visa Application Costs:Fully coveredPre-Academic Training Costs:Fully coveredAccommodation:Mandatory housing provided by UMISAP Programme Costs:Covered for the first study blockNote:Airfare is not included. Accommodation is single-occupancy and not suitable for families.Eligibility CriteriaApplicants must:Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam.Meet visa and residence requirements for the Netherlands.Have applied for admission to an eligible full-time master’s programme by 8 December 2026.Be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2027.Have an excellent academic record (minimum GPA 7.5/10, or equivalent 75%/3.0 CGPA).Not having studied for a degree in the Netherlands before (exchange students are eligible).Preferably, not hold a prior master’s degree.Commit to serving as a UM ambassador during and after the scholarship.Submit one complete application per academic year.Required DocumentsApplicants must prepare and submit the following documents:Updated Curriculum Vitae (max two pages)Motivation Letter (usingUM template)Proof of Academic Excellence (official transcript & grading scale explanation)Personal Statement of Financial NeedOne Reference Letter (from a professor/employer; not family)Referee Contact Details (institutional email required)How to Apply?Step 1:Apply for admission to an eligibleUM master’s programmeviaStudielink.nlby 8 December 2026 to obtain your student ID number.Step 2:Use your UM account to access and complete theScholarship Application Form.Upload all required documents in PDF or DOC format.Selection ProcessThe highlights of the selection procedure are as follows:Applications checked for completeness by the UM International Services Desk after 1 February 2027.Complete applications forwarded to UM Faculties in February 2027.Each Faculty selects and ranks its top 5 candidates and submits them in March 2027.Final selections confirmed and online interviews held by the end of March 2027.Candidates notified of results in April–May 2027 (selected, waitlisted, or rejected).Awardees will receive details for the mandatory Pre-Academic Training starting in August 2027.Selected candidates must sign and return the award letter to confirm acceptance.Note:This is a highly competitive scholarship. Only about 2% of applicants are selected.Further details are available on theofficial UM website.Check More Scholarships:University of Twente Scholarship 2027-2028 for Non-EU/EEA StudentsThe Emile Boutmy Undergraduate and Master Scholarship 2027-2028 in FranceThe Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program for Master’s and PhD studies in FranceShare with Your FriendsShare
